Dear Parents/Carers,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you are following the guidance around ‘social distancing’ from our Government, in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

We are all facing this difficult time together, including, making sense of all the information given, which is sometimes conflicting, such as guidance around schools being open or not.   It seems that the original message of schools closing was not entirely accurate as they are to try and remain open for Keyworkers.   The keyworkers list has now been released and is extensive.   The key message from the following document (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision) is:

‘If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.  

The government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.’

The staff at Barming Primary School will try to ensure we provide care for those parents/families that absolutely need it.   Therefore, please can I ask all parents that can provide care for their children outside of school, do so!   NB: there will be no breakfast club or after school club provisions during this time.  

In order to be fully prepared, I am asking all parents that require a place at Barming Primary School during the Coronavirus outbreak to do the following:

1. Log in to Parents Evening Booking System https://barming.parentseveningsystem.co.uk/
2. Go to Events
3. Go to Key Worker/Vulnerable Child Status
4. Complete ONE form only, either Key Worker status or Vulnerable child status, parents/carers MUST enter their Key Worker Status and an Emergency Contact number in the 'Notes' section.   If you do not provide your keyworker status or an emergency contact number you will not be offered a place.  Please ensure that this is completed by 8.00pm this evening.  The booking system will automatically shut down at this time.
    
   As a school – we will provide a service for our families, including during the Easter Break, for as long as physically possible.   However, it is my responsibility, alongside providing provision for those families who absolutely require it, to look after the welfare of all my staff.   While we have staff that are fit to work and not in self-isolation, we will continue to provide schooling.   Please support your school by only asking for a space if you absolutely require it, I cannot stress this enough.   This is a time where we all need to do our bit and support each other in whatever way we can.
    
   Please only send your child(ren) into school as a last resort.
    
   I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my parents and families safety during these worrying times ahead.   We will get through this together and if we follow the guidance strictly.   I look forward to seeing you all, once this is over.
    
   Take care of each other and be kind.
    
   Yours sincerely
    
   
    
   Mr C. Laker
   Head of School